Dogku

by Andrew Clements, Tim Bowers (Illustrator)

a wonderful story that successfully uses a new haiku for each page of text. It beautifully captures the life of a stray dog who finds a home but can't quite behave as the family would like him to. Overall this dod is living the good life with his adorable new family.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Animals, Dogs, Childrens, Family, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

I was born in Camden, New Jersey in 1949 and lived in Oaklyn and Cherry Hill until the middle of sixth grade. Then we moved to Springfield, Illinois. My parents were avid readers and they gave that love of books and reading to me and to all my brothers and sisters. I didn’t think about being a writer at all back then, but I did love to read. I'm certain there's a link between reading good books and becoming a writer. I don't know a single writer who wasn’t a reader first.
Before moving to Illinois, and even afterwards, our family spent summers at a cabin on a lake in Maine. There was no TV there, no phone, no doorbell—and email wasn’t even invented. All day there was time to swim and fish and mess around outside, and every night, there was time to read. I know those quiet summers helped me begin to think like a writer.
During my senior year at Springfield High School my English teacher handed back a poem I’d written. Two things were amazing about that paper. First, I’d gotten an A—a rare event in this teacher’s class. And she’d also written in large, scrawly red writing, “Andrew—this poem is so funny. This should be published!”
That praise sent me off to Northwestern University feeling like I was a pretty good writer, and occasionally professors there also encouraged me and complimented the essays I was required to write as a literature major. But I didn’t write much on my own—just some poetry now and then. I learned to play guitar and began writing songs, but again, only when I felt like it. Writing felt like hard work—something that’s still true today.
After the songwriting came my first job in publishing. I worked for a small publisher who specialized in how-to books, the kind of books that have photos with informative captions below each one. The book in which my name first appeared in print is called A Country Christmas Treasury. I’d built a number of the projects featured in the book, and I was listed as one of the “craftspeople”on the acknowlegements page, in tiny, tiny type.
In 1990 I began trying to write a story about a boy who makes up a new word. That book eventually became my first novel, Frindle, published in 1996, and you can read the whole story of how it developed on another web site, frindle.com. Frindle became popular, more popular than any of my books before or since—at least so far. And it had the eventual effect of turning me into a full-time writer.
I’ve learned that I need time and a quiet place to think and write. These days, I spend a lot of my time sitting in a small shed about seventy feet from my back door at our home in Massachusetts. There’s a woodstove in there for the cold winters, and an air conditioner for the hot summers. There’s a desk and chair, and I carry a laptop computer back and forth. But there’s no TV, no phone, no doorbell, no email. And the woodstove and the pine board walls make the place smell just like that cabin in Maine where I spent my earliest summers.
Sometimes kids ask how I've been able to write so many books. The answer is simple: one word at a time. Which is a good lesson, I think. You don't have to do everything at once. You don't have to know how every story is going to end. You just have to take that next step, look for that next idea, write that next word. And growing up, it's the same way. We just have to go to that next class, read that next chapter, help that next person. You simply have to do that next good thing, and before you know it, you're living a good life.

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan]

This story, told via haiku poems, is so cute, sweet, charming, amusing and touching, and clever. It feels nearly perfect. The story is wonderful and wonderfully told. I was surprised by how much I adored this book.

There is also a lovely author’s note at the end about what a haiku poem is and why he chose to write this story via haiku. Perfect choice!

The illustrations are just wonderful. They’re so expressive and colorful and engaging. A part of the style I’d love anywhere; a part of the style works for this story whereas it might not work for me elsewhere.

This is a perfect book for kids of all ages, if they love dogs, or haiku, and/or expressive and fun pictures.

It would be great for families about to adopt a shelter or rescue dog or part of a lesson plan on poetry and poetry writing, particularly haiku. I can see this book inspiring older kids to write some haiku poems of their own.

I’m going to try to remember this one for gift giving. If there was more room on our profile pages for more shelves, I’d love a for-gifts shelf.

My only quibble is that in one scene the dog is shown with his face out the car window. Fun for dogs and I’ve been a culprit at times of allowing that, but it’s so dangerous, especially re the potential for eye injuries.

[Andréa]

Mooch is such a cutie.

[Rod Brown]

I've never seen a story told entirely in haiku before. And now I know why it is not common.

[Ruth Ann]

I am in love with this short book - a picture book/poetry/story written in haiku! The illustrations help tell the story.

A dog comes to the backdoor of a family's home right around bedtime, wondering what will happen. Will the lady with the kind eyes shut the door?

Mooch causes some trouble on that first day while in the house alone - will this loving family keep him?

[N_Allie l]

This is another one of my favorite poetry books for younger students. The author, Andrew Clements (also known for writing best sellers such as Frindle and The School Story) creates a fun, sweet way for children to learn about Haikus. Haikus are poems with 17 syllables that break down by stanzas by 5 syllables, 7 syllables and 5 syllables.

The story features a dog and a day-in-his-life. Andrew Clements cleverly writes each page in a haiku format. Your students will become instantly engaged in this book from the moment you start the first page. Not only are the words sweet and simple, but the oil painted illustrations and simple phenomenal.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the Author's Note. Here is a peek into The Author's Note:

"Vast Oceans of words-
I am almost drowned again.
A haiku floats by.

Ever feel like there are so, so many words? And how could I ever put some together and make a poem? That's when a haiku can seem like a lifeboat. "

The author then gives more tips to the reader of how to create a haiku in a simple, easy to follow way. I use this book with my second graders by first reading this book aloud to them. Their favorite part is always the author's note at the very end. I then model writing a haiku by choosing a subject to think about and then trying to create a 5-7-5 stanza poem. Then my students get to try writing their own haikus.

I highly recommend this book!

[Eryn Cho]

Dogku by Andrew Clements is a haiku about a dog named Mooch. Each page is a haiku about the day from the perspective of a dog. Some of the themes of this book include family, belonging, nature, and compassion. This book can be a way to teach children about haikus and how to make them fun and interactive. The book can also teach children about being compassionate for animals as Mooch was a stray that was invited in by the family, even if he made trouble.

The writing craft in this book is storytelling through the use of haiku, a type of poetry that has 3 lines with layers of syllables(5,7,5). This book has themes of antibias such as acceptance and belonging, kindness towards animals, and breaking stereotypes on stray animals that they can't adapt to domestic life with a family.

[Kathryn]

Just adorable! Loved the story, loved the haiku, loved the illustrations. Made me feel very happy.
I wish all homeless dogs could find a wonderful home like this one.

Be sure to read the author's note at the back. I like how explains why he chose to write in haiku and how he describes it like being faced by a whole garden of flowers but choosing a small vase (so many words? how to choose! haiku helps him narrow his focus.)

[Dominika Romano]

This was a very cute book written entirely in haikus. It takes us through Mooch's life, a dog looking for a home. The story starts off with him sitting at a front step wondering if someone will open the door for him. The family takes him in, feeds him, gives him a bath and begins to love him already! At the end of the story, Mooch overhears the word "pound" and worries what the family will do next! Will they keep him or give him to the local shelter? The story is so interesting because it is written in 5/7/5 syllable haiku format, which Andrew Clements explains in the Author's Note on the last page. It is a very cute story that is appropriate for kids of all ages, as a shared reading story for primary kids or a poetry lesson for older students. I would certainly recommend this very cute story!

[Steve Holden]

This was incredibly popular and widely available when I began my teaching career, and I recently read it again from my poetry section. This is a beautifully clever book, written about a dog in only haikus. When I was in first grade, we always did a lengthy poetry writing workshop unit, and this one was a staple and a favorite. You need to be focused and creative when telling something through a haiku and I always loved this as an example for children. If you have to teach or model anything with poetry, or simply want to share a touching and creative story, be sure to find this one for you room.

[Nancy Kotkin]

Story of a homeless dog adopted by a family. Told entirely in senryu (Japanese poetic form same as haiku but about life foibles instead of nature). The dog version of Won-Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku, though this picture book was published several years prior to that one. Excellent resource for teaching haiku/senryu poetry. Also recommend for dog lovers.

[Angie]

Cute Haiku story. Great for kids during national poetry month.

[Brittany]

Summary:
This book is the life of a dog in the short simple verses of a haiku. Everything a dog loves and doesn't love is covered in this book. It seems to be a streaming line of consciousness of what goes through a dog’s head. Even the climax when it seems that the family may be taking Mooch to the pound. It's a feel-good story about a stray dog finding a real home.

Response:
I picked up this book because I have never had a clean understanding of what a haiku is. I remember learning about it back in school, but it never stuck with me. I hoped that this book would give me a better understanding and be something that I could use in my own classroom when I have to teach what a haiku is. This book definitely helped with that.
I think the most helpful part was the very last page, not even part of the story. The author writes a little blurb on why he wrote it and what a haiku is. It was the simplest explanation and made it clear to me.
Aside from the happy storyline and helpful information, this book has the cutest puppy as the main character. This book would really attract small children because of the colorful and welcoming illustrations.

Classroom Connection:
This is definitely a book that I would use to teach my students about writing haiku's. It would make a good introduction. The kids could try to solve the mystery of what makes each phrase a haiku as opposed to me telling them what it is. I think it would have a more personal meaning if they had to figure it out. Once the book was read to them and they knew how to write a haiku, I would have them all write their own.

Text Complexity:
This book has an interest level of grades K-2. I would agree with that. It is a little too simple for kids much older than that. However, for the purpose of learning about haiku's I would use it in grades 3-4. Children in grades 1+ could probably read this independently. The grade equivalent for this book is 1.1 and the lexile measure is 644.

[Maha Hafeez]

The book ‘Dogku’ is about a stray dog trying to find a home. When he shows up at the back door of a house, will they let him in? In this book, a dog is on the back steps, hungry and hopeful that someone inside will welcome him. Thankfully, the family does just that. They give him food and a bath, and soon he’s all freshened up. The children in the house welcomed the new dog, naming him Mooch. Unfortunately, the morning craze had to end when the kids left to get on the school bus, which Mooch hated. While the kids were gone, Mooch went on his own adventures, from car rides, to chewing on socks, rolling around in week-old trash, playing with the squirrel, and drinking water. Until he heard the sound of children, which meant that the school bus was back, and now Mooch was happy again. Although during a family meeting, Mooch hears the word “pound”. Did that mean they were giving him up? The environment did not feel right to Mooch, and he feared he might be going back to the pound. But minutes later, Dad walked in with a new bed, food, a bowl, a squeaky toy, and a blanket. At last, Mooch felt he had found his home. In addition, the major themes in the book were family and compassion. I believe family is a major theme in this book because the book shows how the family accepted the dog into their home and gave him everything he needed, like feeding him food, cleaning him, playing with him, taking him on adventures, giving him his own home and his own bed to be comfortable in. Family is meant to make you feel like you belong, are accepted, and are loved. As the author wrote, “Mooch has found his home”, and “Morning brings children. Hugs, licks, barking, and laughing. Warmer than sunshine”, which shows how loved he felt by the family. Another major theme is compassion. The family was very compassionate toward the homeless dog, showing empathy, especially when the mother saw that he was hungry and needed care. She let him in with open arms and made him feel at home. For example, in the book it says “First food, then a bath. The food was a lot more fun. Still, it all feels good”, which proves how much the dog needed to be taken care of, and made him happy that he had found someone that was able to give him that. The illustrations also show this compassion through Mooch’s joyfulness and Mom’s happiness of taking care of him, with Mooch wiggling himself, and the owner playing around with him. I believe this book greatly showed how showing empathy and care can change an animal's life. Additionally, the main genre of this book is a poem. Through reading this book, children could learn to be empathetic towards both people and animals. I believe this book helps children learn that being empathetic and showing love can make someone or something so happy. For example, how happy Dogku was to see that the family had actually accepted him. Another thing children could learn from reading this book is haiku. This book teaches the structure of haiku, which is a Japanese form of poetry that does not have words that rhyme but follows a pattern of 5-7-5. That means the first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, and the last line has five syllables. So, learning haiku can help children who struggle with writing rhythmic poems, by allowing them to use a structured form of poetry, allowing them to be creative and experimental. Moreover, this book was a WOW book for me because it taught me a new form of poetry, haiku. When I wrote poetry in elementary school, I struggled to find words that rhymed. So, learning about this Japanese form of poetry, haiku, interested me in writing my own haiku. I also loved the vibrant illustrations in this book, like the dog splashes, the trash, the laughter, and the family’s happiness, all of which were beautifully illustrated.

Two of the writing craft techniques the author used in this book were haiku and imagery. The author used haiku in this book, with every page having three lines, with a 5, 7, 5 syllable rule. For example, the book said, “First food, then a bath. The food was a lot more fun. Still, it all feels good.” So, as you can see when you read, there are five syllables in: “First food, then a bath”, seven syllables in: “The food was a lot more fun,” and five again in “Still, it all feels good”. Additionally, the second writing craft technique used by the author is imagery. Imagery is seen in the book by expressing how the dog felt, and it helps me as a reader to visualize that exact feeling or scene. For example, it said: “Loud, fast, and crazy. Food, coats, then the front door slams. Mooch hates the school bus.” So, as I read these three lines, it reminded me of the times when I would have to wake up early in the morning, always hectic, like how it is described in the book, and then the school bus would come, and everyone would be rushing. So, the imagery here is accurate and portrayed very nicely. Another example used in the book is: “Nose out the window, … ears flapping, hair pushed straight back. Adventures in smell.” These lines helped me feel and imagine what the dog was feeling, making me imagine the breezy wind, the tiny hairs moving straight back, and the smell of the adventures he’s taking on, like the hot dog standing behind him, the streets, everything that he’s enjoying. Again, very nicely portrayed by the author. I believe these writing craft techniques enhanced the quality of the writing in this book because haiku is a different form of poetry, which does not involve rhyming, so children learn if they can count the five and seven syllables in each line. It makes the book engaging to read and introduces a new form of poetry as well. Imagery enhanced the quality of the writing in this book because it made me feel like I was experiencing the same things that were described in the book. The way the author used imagery helps me as a reader to stay engaged and makes the book entertaining to read. Furthermore, I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it shows acceptance and kindness towards animals and shows how important it is to make them feel belonged and welcomed. It challenges the stereotype that stray dogs should not be welcomed into homes, and it shows how they deserve care and kindness.

[Jen]

Dogku was a surprise winner in our house. I didn't recognize the author's name at first, and when my son brought it home I simply looked at the cover and sighed. I thought it was one of *those* books. But, it wasn't so bad. It's a story told in haiku and just exposing a little one to the form is worth three stars for me. Plus, the haikus are just fine, not too sweet or stupid.

And then I read the author's note at the back, a tiny thing, mostly two haikus :

"Vast ocean of words-
I am almost drowned again.
A haiku floats by.

Ever feel like there are so, so many words? And how could I ever put some together and make a poem? That's when a haiku can seem like a lifeboat...so simple, only 17 syllables, 5/7/5...

In the wide garden,
I am dizzy with flowers.
I choose a small vase.

That's what a haiku is like-like a small vase, a small container. Choosing a small container can help you pick the perfect words and arrange them just right."

Well put. Now I want him to write a picture book with haiku about nature.

[Niki Tavoussi]

When i first saw the title of the book, Dogku, I had absolutely no idea what it would be about. Well, I knew it would be about a dog atleast partially, but I didn't fully understand what the -ku was there for. After finishing the book, however, I can tell clearly what it means. Dogku is a book written entirely in haiku form, hence the term Dog-KU. It's a sweet story about a little, stray dog named Mooch who finds a family to take him in. The illustrations are extremely adorable and even adult readers will be touched by the story. Having said that, i still recommend it more for children ages three through ten. Even better if they're dog lovers! Probably won't appeal much to people over the age of twenty. This book is slightly similar to Because of Winn-Dixie in its dog-lovingness. I might also compare it to Clifford because of the relationship between the dog and the family. The author of it, Andrew Clements, has written many other books for children and teenagers, including Frindle and The Report Card. As an unbiased reader, I give Dogku three stars out of five.

[Julie]

What sets this picture book about a dog apart is that the story is exclusively told in Haiku! “Nose out the window/ears flapping, hair pushed straight back/Adventures in smell.” DOGKU is the charming story of Mooch, a fluffy dog that needs a home. Eye appealing oil-painted illustrations on every page, some with two-page spreads, that bring the text to life. Detailed but not too busy, the pictures provide context clues and support the themes of dogs and of neighborhood life. Andrew Clements includes a friendly author’s note to encourage children that they too can write Haiku. Teachers and students alike will enjoy incorporating DOGKU into poetry lessons for recognizing and writing Haiku. Winner of 9 awards including the 2012 Monarch Award Master List. Grades K-2.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer]

This was SO cute!! The haiku tell the story of a stray dog who thinks he's found a home--until he gets into trouble. What really makes this story are Tim Bowers' cute illustrations of this little guy, and especially the last page. Even if you don't like dogs, you've got to like this book. Highly recommended!

[Beverly]

I own a copy of this book, because I liked it so much. I agree with everything Kathryn wrote about it above. The terrier-looking dog is sooo adorable! And there is a tiny bit of suspense in the story--will Dad take the stray dog to the pound? Each haiku is a slice of time in the stray dog's day and life. A very sweet story from the dog's point of view (although he is not a talking dog).

[Julie Hafner]

Cute Mooch needs a home
Lovely family takes him
Everyone happy

Reading an entire book in haiku is only made better when stray dog Mooch is the star of the show. It is a beautifully illustrated book that makes you want to adopt him too. Clements has a gift for story telling in haiku verse and makes the reader want to write haiku. A great introduction into Haiku and poetry for all students.

[Brittney Daniel]

This dog was so adorable and while reading this first before I read it to my class almost had me in tears and you will have to read it to find out why?? Lol this dog was an awesome family pet and can be discussed with children to talk about their family pets.

[Michele Knott]

Loved the haikus and really enjoyed the illustrations!
I also liked reading Clements' note at the end, giving the readers a little glimpse into his journey of writing haikus.

[KaitandMaddie]

A good intro to haiku.

[Linh Cao]

Dogku is about a stray dog who goes around a neighborhood searching for a home. The story is written in haiku, which I found to be unique for storytelling. The dog is taken in by a family, which gives him a comfortable place to stay, food, and a bath. At the beginning of the book, the family was not sure about taking in a dog since it is a lot of responsibility. Throughout the story, the dog tries hard to follow the rules and get along with everyone, especially the children. At the end, the family realizes he's become a part of the home, and they adopt him. I found the book to be enjoyable on the haikus and the illustrations; it gives a comforting feeling while reading. The major themes in the book were belonging and kindness. At the beginning of the book, the dog was a stray looking for a home to find comfort in. He wanders in the yard hoping for some kindness, and the family gives the dog more than it expected. This became clear to the reader from the journey of the dog from being lost and unwanted to finding a new family and a home. Another theme that was prevalent was kindness. The family treated the dog throughout the story with kindness, even though the dog was not familiar to them. The main genre of this book is fictional children's poetry. Through reading this book, I learned that being kind can impact someone's life, and everyone deserves a place where they can call home. This book was a WOW book for me because of how interesting the author's storytelling was through the haikus. I found this to be very interesting. The poems could show how the dog was feeling. The author has also won awards such as the Kentucky Bluegrass Award and made the list of Bank Street Best Books of the Year from Dogku.
The author used multiple literary devices and other forms of writing craft in this
book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of haiku poetry for storytelling. An example of this is that the author had every page with a poem written by the author to convey the story. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by having the reader understand the emotions of the dog through the poems. Having the poetry engage the reader. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of personification in the book. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author gives the dog emotions that humans experience to have the dog connect with the readers. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by helping the readers feel empathy for the dog, having a more emotional impact. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it teaches children empathy and compassion for people in different circumstances. Instead of judging the dog for being a stray, the family helped the dog and took it in. The story helps the readers to be kind to others and not care about their appearances.

[Paricha Leerungruang]

From lonely streets to warm beds, every step matters. In ‘Dogku’, a stray dog is taken in by a family, and his journey from loneliness to belonging is told entirely through short haiku poems. I found this style of poetry really interesting because of how minimal the words are. Yet, the emotions still come through clearly, especially when paired with the illustrations within the book. The major themes in the book were belonging and adjustment, shown through how the dog slowly becomes comfortable in his new home, learning routines, and building trust with his new family after initially feeling out of place. The main genre of this book is poetry. Through reading this book, I learned that moments can carry deep meaning, no matter how small they may seem. Trust also takes time to build, especially in unfamiliar or new environments. Children reading this book could also learn about empathy and how patience and kindness can help someone feel safe and accepted. This book was a WOW book for me because of how it was able to tell such an emotional and complete story with just a few words, reflecting how storytelling doesn't always have to be long to be meaningful.

The author used multiple literary devices and other forms of writing craft in this book to make the story engaging despite its simple structure. First, the author used the writing craft technique of onomatopoeia and strong action words. An example of this writing craft from the book is when words like the dog’s actions, like sniffing, padding, and reacting to his surroundings, where it helps the reader feel his experiences through sound and movement. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by making the reader feel closer to the dog’s perspective, even though the story is told in short haiku poems, allowing the actions to feel more real. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of haiku structure. An example of this writing craft from the book is how each page is written in three short lines that capture a single moment in the dog’s life, like when he begins bonding with his new family. This technique enhanced the quality of the book by showing that powerful storytelling does not require long descriptions, but can still portray deep meaning and emotion. The author portrayed an anti-bias perspective in this book by showing that all living beings deserve care and patience, as the stray dog is given a second chance at life and family, encouraging readers to show empathy toward animals and those who may feel lost or alone.

[Jhonas Perez-Leuchert]

You ever think about how just a few short lines can totally capture what's funny and lovable about a dog? I love my dog Ronny and I honestly think i would need 2 sentences to tell you about him. That's pretty much what this whole book does. It's a bunch of short poems, all in haiku style, and each one is about something a dog thinks or does or the silly little habits they have. What I liked most is how simple each poem is, but somehow they still end up being funny and clever and full of personality. The two big themes here are companionship and humor. Companionship because the poems really show that close bond between dogs and the people who love them. And humor because the way the dogs actions and thoughts are described is just so playful. The genre is poetry, obviously, since the whole thing is made up of short poems instead of one long story. Each one uses poetic structure to get a little idea across. Reading this reminded me that poetry doesn't have to be all serious and deep to mean something. Sometimes just a few words chosen carefully can give you a strong image or a real feeling. Kids who read this could learn to enjoy poetry without being scared of it. They could also start noticing small details about animals and understand how poems can show personality and emotion. For me this was a WOW book because it made poetry feel approachable and actually fun. I loved how each poem grabbed some little dog behavior and made it stick in your head even though it was so short.

Now about the writing craft. The author uses imagery a lot. Like when the poems describe dogs running or barking or waiting or begging, you can just picture the whole moment in your head. That imagery makes each short poem feel vivid and alive even though there aren't many words. The other thing is humor. The way the dogs' actions are written is just so playful, and sometimes it feels like you're hearing the dog's own funny point of view. That humor makes the poems way more engaging and enjoyable, especially for younger readers who might be new to poetry and think it's boring. Honestly, I'd call this an anti-bias book too, but not in the usual way people mean that. It helps make poetry feel accessible and inviting instead of intimidating. A lot of kids think poetry is hard or stuffy, but this book pushes back on that. It shows that poetry can be playful and relatable and enjoyable for all kinds of readers, including kids who wouldn't normally connect with more formal or complex poems. And I think that matters.

[Maia Rankin]

A day in the life of a dog named Mooch. In this book there is a lost dog that showed on the steps of the right family for him. His name ends up being Mooch; he goes about his day with treats and love. Mooch was scared he was going to go to the pound, but in reality, the family brought back even more goodies. Mooch just wanted to belong to the family. One of the major themes in the book was belonging and acceptance, Mooch the dog was a lost puppy but found a great family that took him in and cared for him despite his little quirks of biting laundry. Another theme adaptation to a new environment, Mooch had a little trouble at first, but realized he was enjoying life with his new family. It takes time to adapt to certain places, but you will know when you are in the right place.

The main genre of this book is poetry, sharing the story of a dog in a series of haiku poems which is how it has the title of the name Dogku. Children reading this book could learn about empathy, the dog was lost, and the family was able to show empathy for mooch. Another lesson children can gather from this book is that trust can be built over time. Mooch was taken in and the family did not know the dog, but over time the family learned to love him and trust him enough to keep him as family. This book was a WOW book for me because even though it is a short story, it can teach many valuable lessons.

The author used multiple literary devices and other forms of writing crafts in this book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of a simile. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author says, “warmer than sunshine”. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by showing the readers how the dog feels in such deep emotions through the hugs that the children give Mooch. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of anthropomorphism. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author uses the dog to form his own thoughts and voice, even though animals cannot communicate this way in real life. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by helping the reader connect more with Mooch to understand how he feels. The author portrayed anti-bias perspectives in this book by creating and teaching readers to welcome in and treat others even if you do not know them with respect and love no matter who they are.

[Naail Iqbal]

Dogku reminded me of the beauty of simple joys and the bonds we share with animals. This story is about a stray dog who finds a new home with a kind family. Told entirely in haikus, the book captures the dog’s experiences, from wandering the streets to being welcomed into a loving household. Each haiku beautifully conveys the dog’s emotions and the warmth of the family’s care. The book reminded me of how small acts of kindness, like adopting a stray, can bring happiness to everyone involved. This book falls under the genre of Poetry and Contemporary Realistic Fiction, with themes of kindness, belonging, and family. What stood out to me was how the haiku format added a layer of simplicity and elegance to the story. Each poem is concise yet packed with meaning, making the story easy for children to enjoy while conveying deep emotions. After reading Dogku, I felt a sense of peace and joy, and I believe children will be inspired by its message of compassion and the rewards of giving someone—or something—a second chance. Andrew Clements uses literary devices like imagery and rhythm to bring the story to life. The haikus are rich with sensory details, such as “Morning brings barking, / scratching at the door to go— / hurry, find the leash.” These lines vividly paint the dog’s experiences and create a rhythm that makes the story engaging. The repetition of the haiku structure also reinforces the calming, poetic nature of the book. The soft, warm illustrations by Tim Bowers perfectly complement the text, adding emotional depth to the story through expressive depictions of the dog and its interactions with the family. This book promotes anti-bias perspectives by teaching children empathy and kindness toward animals, showing that even stray dogs deserve love and care. Dogku was a WOW book for me because of its unique format and heartwarming story. It beautifully demonstrates how poetry can tell a meaningful tale and inspire readers to appreciate the simple joys of life.

[Bridget Lisk]

Dogku is a children’s poetry book written by Andrew Clements and illustrated by Tim Bowers. It tells the story of a stray dog who finds a home with a family, and their journey as they learn more about each other and form a bond. This story is unique because it is written entirely in haiku poetry. Each page in the book features a haiku poem which forms a story throughout the book. The simplicity of the poems mixed with the soft illustrations, make Dogku a heartwarming and easy read for children and adults. If I were going to read this book to children, I would teach them about the beauty and simplicity of haiku poems and the importance of empathy and kindness towards animals. This book was a WOW book for me because this book gave me a new perspective of poetry. I enjoyed the unique delivery of a sweet, simple story written in the form of a poem. It’s a friendly and easy example to introduce children to poetry.

A few literary devices that the author, Andrew Clement, included in this book were haiku poetry, personification, imagery, and symbolism. I thought the author did a thoughtful job in the creation of the structure in the book. The book is divided into three sections which represents a different phase in the dog’s journey. This structure creates a better sense of progression and allows the reader to get a glimpse of the dog’s growth and connection it forms with its family over time. Clement focuses on relationships over differences which is exemplified by the family giving the dog the utmost love and respect despite being a stray. With that said, Clement did an overall thoughtful job demonstrating different perspectives by promoting respect, empathy, inclusivity.

[Enrique Francisco]

Dogku is a haiku book that falls into the category of poetry and novels in verse. This book follows a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. This story is about a stray dog named Mooch. It explores Mooch’s adventure of finding a family and what follows. Once adopted, Mooch spends his days chewing on socks, staring at squirrels, and playing with kids.
This book was relatively short and served more as a fun poetry book than anything else. Although the theme wasn’t slammed down your throat, the main theme was family. Mooch found his forever home and created bonds with those who took him in. He ate food scraps from the table and made all the children laugh. By the end of the story, the family is buying him a new dog bed, a new bowl, and other fun dog necessities.
If I were going to read this to children, I would focus on the haiku aspect. This is a good book to have when teaching poetry. It is a simple and fun way to teach how to write a haiku. I would also use this book to teach children the power of adoption. Although it is not a requirement, adopting can have many benefits. You do not overpopulate the world with dogs, but you also give a grown dog a chance at a good life. This book shows the luxuries that you can provide as a family to a dog with nothing. This is a WOW because it has multiple awards, like the Kentucky Bluegrass Award. It also has a personal high literacy rating and is a great book to teach haikus with.
I would consider this book an anti-bias book because it is from the perspective of a dog. It does not focus on any one group and shows the climb back of a homeless dog. This gives any reader the ability to relate or see into the life of a dog/person who may need a little pick-me-up.

[Jamie Isaacs]

I found this book in the University of Kentucky Education Library on a shelf of books the librarian pulled for picture books for older readers. On the front cover, there is a dog visible through the glass of a front door. He appears to be on the outside of the door. This story follows a stray dog, who is later named Mooch, that appears on the steps of a loving family’s home. Upon taking him in, the family feeds Mooch and gives him a much needed bath. The children meet Mooch and immediately fall in love with him. Mooch sees the kids off to school, although he dislikes the school bus. He discovers his doggy neighbor, riding in the car with the window down, and what an empty house is like when the family is away. To pass the time, Mooch chews on dirty laundry and rolls in the trash. The children return home from school, and the parents from work to discover what Mooch was up to all day. They call a family meeting and discuss taking him to the pound. As the dad leaves, the children and Mooch worry they will be separated. However, the dad returns home with a bed, bowl, and toys for Mooch! Mooch will become a permanent member of the family. This book has detailed illustrations and more text than a traditional picture book, likely because this is a picture book intended for older readers. That being said, I would recommend this book for 4th or 5th grade students. I think it would do well in those grade level classrooms, as it encourages independent reading amongst the students. I gave this book 5/5 stars, as it was well written and is something most kids can relate to- finding a stray animal and having to decide whether or not to keep it.